Guide to solar battery storage

Looking to add a battery to your solar PV system? Get more out of your solar panels by storing extra renewable energy.

Do I need a solar battery as well as panels?

Over 80% of our customers add a battery to their solar system. Not everyone needs a battery installed. However, if you use a lot of electricity in the evening, it is probably worth looking at including a battery with your solar panels.

What are the best home battery solar storage options?

The most popular battery is the Tesla Powerwall battery. Unfortunately, the Tesla battery has a waitlist of over two years. Luckily, there are a lot of great batteries available in the market in 2022. 

Solar battery technology has improved massively in recent years. This means that you can get a powerful battery at a much lower cost. At Smart Energy, we use brands such as JA Solar, Hyundai, and SolaX. Talk to our team to find the best battery for your budget.

What does a solar battery do?

Solar panel batteries store excess electrical energy. They allow you to use that energy when your panels aren’t producing enough energy, so you don’t have to draw power from the grid.

Extra battery storage is useful for people that are out a lot during the day. This is because panels only generate electricity in daylight, meaning that if you use your appliances in the evening only, you won’t see huge savings in your energy bill. Battery storage allows you to use solar power in the evening, solving this issue.

Can we use solar panels without a battery?

You can use solar panels without a battery. Not having a battery will not affect your solar panels, however, it will mean that you won’t be able to store unused or excess electricity.

If the majority of your energy usage takes place during the day, or you don’t have a large existing bill, you may not need to add a battery to your solar system. 

What are the best solar batteries?

They’re all great and will allow you to benefit from storing the energy generated by your solar panels. We work with trusted brands that we know and love, just get in touch and we can discuss which option suits your needs best.

Should I get a solar battery?

If your energy bill is particularly high, adding a battery is a good way of saving you money. This is because you’ll be able to store more of your free energy rather than buying electricity at high prices from electricity companies. 

An energy storage system can be a good solution if you live in an area that has frequent power cuts. Because a battery stores energy, you can power your home even in a power cut.

Choosing to add a battery is a case by case scenario. Look at your predicted return of investment and personal energy usage patterns to best determine whether to add a battery storage system.

What is the life of a solar battery?

Solar batteries usually carry a 15-year warranty.

Why are solar batteries so expensive?

Solar lithium-ion batteries have a reputation for being expensive. However, the costs of a battery have dropped significantly in recent years, as well as becoming more energy-efficient.

Home energy batteries are still expensive because they are in short supply at the moment. 

Why do solar panels need batteries?

Solar panels are paired with batteries to store the excess energy they generate. 

Do all off-grid solar systems need batteries?

Solar panel battery storage is recommended for those who are looking to go off-grid. 

Do solar batteries pay for themselves?

Over time, a battery should save you more than you paid for it.

Adding a battery storage system to solar panels is an additional investment to solar energy. A home-energy storage system is a long-term investment that will save you money over a period of time. 

Whether or not a battery will save you money will depend on how high your energy bill is, and the time it takes to see a return on your investment.

Can solar power produce 24-hour electricity?

Yes, solar power can supply your home fully for 24 hours with the inclusion of a battery. Without a solar panel battery, you will only be able to power appliances when your solar panels are working in the daylight.

Keep in mind that solar panels on their own can still power your home for around 10 hours in the summer months.

With a home energy storage system, you can benefit from 24-hour solar power. 

If you’re looking to power your home completely with solar energy or looking to go off-grid, pairing a solar panel system with solar battery storage is your best option. If you’re just looking to reduce your bills, you may not need an extra battery.

Can you install more than one solar battery at your home?

Yes, you can install more than one solar battery at your home. 

What is the average size of a home storage battery in the UK?

The average battery installed at a home in the UK is around 5.2kW. 

How do solar batteries and electric vehicles work?

You can charge your electric car up using power stored in a battery. However, at Smart Energy, we recommend simply charging your car at off-peak times for more savings.

How many batteries do I need for a 3kW solar system?

Home energy storage systems for a 3kW solar panel usually consist of one 5.2kW battery. Most homes only need one solar battery.

Are solar batteries worth it in the UK?

Solar battery storage will depend on your individual usage. Solar batteries can help you save more money on your electricity bill if you use a lot of energy. 

To work out if a solar battery could be worth it for you, get in touch with one of our team members and find out the return on your investment and other details.

How can I get a solar battery installed at my home?

If you are a UK homeowner looking to install a solar battery storage system, get in touch with our professional solar team. As MCS certified solar and battery installers, we have the knowledge and experience to help you find the best battery for your home. Get in touch to find out about a solar battery here.